THE father of the three-year-old killed in a road accident on the Island of Jersey has said his son's death would leave a "gaping hole" in their lives and hearts of so many".

Michael Pringle’s three-year-old son, Clinton, was knocked down by a car outside a park as he crossed the road to go to play last Monday.

The ‘lion-hearted’ toddler, who was visiting the island from his home North Lanarkshire with his mother, Stacey (28), suffered ‘catastrophic’ head injuries but fought for his life for another three days after being flown to a hospital in Southampton.

Clinton was "an incredibly strong character" who was "special" to everyone, Mr Pringle said.

“My wife Stacey and I, along with our extended family and friends – many of whom have travelled to Southampton to be by Clinton’s side during his battle for life – are absolutely devastated by his untimely death.

“Anyone who was privileged enough to spend any time with him will appreciate how special he was to us all.

"It is so difficult to come to terms with the fact that our three-year-old, on holiday visiting family, has been killed while about to enter a park in Jersey.

"We would like to thank the medical staff in both Jersey and Southampton for trying everything in their power to keep him with us. Clinton was an incredibly strong character and his death will leave a gaping hole in the lives and hearts of so many.”

Mr Clinton, who was in Athens when he heard that his son had been hit by a car, also called on local officials in Jersey to take action to address what he described as a dangerous lack of distinction between the road and the pavement in Tunnell Street, St Helier, where the incident happened.

The area, which appears at first glance to be pedestrianised, is in fact used by cars as a thoroughfare.

A friend the family also said that safety measures should be introduced in the area. Nicola McAteer posted a message on social media calling for action, as well as paying tribute to well-wishers who have left flowers in memory of the little boy at the scene of the incident.

She said: “Something needs to be done immediately to prevent this happening again. Hopefully we can highlight the immediate danger here. This tragic accident should never have happened.

“The sun is shining, but it's such a sad day here in Jersey. I've just been down to lay some flowers for little Clinton who tragically was taken from this world far too soon. Some lovely tributes, flowers and cuddly toys laid for this special little three year old.

“Clinton's mum works with my sister in Scotland, and this is another reason why I am so passionate about making this statement and making this area safer. This tragedy could happen to any of us."

She added: “Something needs to be done immediately with the layout of this park. With summer holidays fast approaching in jersey and some UK schools already holidaying here, we must all join together and ensure safer measures are put in place immediately.

“I'm not sure how to proceed, but know that many, many of my friends that are reading this post and sharing this post right now can help. I'm desperate for this to never happen again.”

Police on the island have arrested a 38-year-old woman on suspicion of road traffic offences. She was later bailed.

Jersey Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash,a and have asked anyone who was in the area and who may have seen what happened to come forward.

Officers have already taken statements from a number of witnesses but would like to hear from people who may have left the scene before speaking to police.

Anyone who has premises in the area with CCTV cameras has also asked been to hand footage to police.

The boy's family have been supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers. A fundraising page has been set up to help pay for the funeral of the 3-year-old, has already raised nearly £3,000.